The short version: for the depth of a washing machine cabinet, almost always count on 67-70 cm. This gives you space for the plug, hoses and sufficient ventilation, without the doors getting stuck. Always measure your niche, leave 5-7 cm free behind the machines and keep 2-3 cm clearance around them. Whether you're installing a single washing machine, a side-by-side set, or stacked, this rule of thumb will help you quickly choose the right size.
Start with measuring: how to determine your niche depth
Accurate measurement prevents an overly cramped cabinet and unnecessary returns. Here's how to determine the washing machine cabinet depth for your situation:
- Measure the depth at multiple points from the back wall to the front of the floor or plinth.
- Check for obstacles: plinths, pipes, siphons, heating pipes or a drain in the corner.
- Add 5-7 cm extra depth to your machine's depth for the plug, hoses, and bends.
- Plan 2-3 cm clearance around the machine for vibration-free placement and door opening.
- Check floor evenness - height differences can reduce effective depth.
- Also note the door space: ensure cabinet doors can open fully without obstruction.
Want to measure accurately? Check out the step-by-step how-to measure for a washing machine cabinet yourself.
Tip: check the machine specifications and the standard built-in depth of a washing machine. Manufacturers often state a bare depth without hoses. In practice, with hoses and a plug, you almost always end up above 60-62 cm.
Rear space, ventilation and connections
A washing machine and dryer need breathing room and space for connections. Therefore, allow 5-7 cm of free space behind the appliances for the plug, drain, and water hose. This margin prevents kinked hoses and ensures your equipment remains vibration-free. Leave 2-3 cm clearance all around so that vibrations are not transferred to the furniture. Read more about the space behind the washing machine in a cabinet.
Ventilation is crucial, especially for condenser and heat pump dryers. Ensure air intake and exhaust through grilles or an open back. Guideline: provide sufficient ventilation openings - think of inlet and outlet that together offer approximately 200 cm² of free surface. For stacked sets, extra ventilation at the top is desirable, and a small plinth at the front helps draw in air.
Finally: route cables and hoses along the side or through access holes. This prevents them from pushing up behind the machine and demanding extra depth.
Quick overview: recommended depth per setup
| Setup | Recommended cabinet depth | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine only | 67-70 cm | Sufficient for plug and hoses, door can open freely. |
| Washing machine + dryer side-by-side | 67-70 cm | Standard worktop depth, easy hose routing behind. |
| Stacked | 67-70 cm | Extra attention for back space and top ventilation. |
| With worktop and plinth | 67-70 cm | Front aligns neatly, space for cables under the top. |
| Shallow niche | 60-65 cm + front margin | Choose a shallow cabinet and, if necessary, let appliances protrude slightly. |
For exact guidelines per size, see the standard built-in dimensions for a washing machine cabinet.
Common mistakes when choosing depth
- Only measuring the machine depth and not accounting for 5-7 cm for hoses and plug.
- Ignoring plinths and pipes, which reduces the effective depth.
- Insufficient ventilation, resulting in heat build-up and increased wear.
- Not leaving any clearance around, causing vibrations to hit the furniture.
- Forgetting door and walking space, resulting in pinching or bumping against walls.
When to choose extra deep or shallow
Choose extra deep - around 70 cm - if you have thick water drains, angled couplings, or a worktop with a rear upstand. Extra margin is also useful for dryers with thick air exhaust hoses. Go shallower - 60-65 cm - if your niche doesn't allow it. Then plan a cabinet with a shallow carcass, cleverly place passages, and if necessary, let the machine fronts align a few centimeters with the front. This maintains ventilation and functionality without compromising on appearance.
Are you unsure about a set? Read more about the depth of washing machine and dryer: which cabinet fits?.
Example dimensions of Wasdroom cabinets
At Wasdroom, you'll find configurations that align with these guidelines. For example, the popular Double 8.0 has a depth of 67.5 cm - perfect within the 67-70 cm rule of thumb. All cabinets are designed to support up to 300 kg per cabinet and engineered to absorb vibrations. Configure your set in the online configurator: single, side-by-side, or stacked, with appropriate depth, ventilation grilles, and pass-throughs for your situation.
Want a clear overview of all dimensions? Check out the dimensions of a washing machine cabinet (width/height/depth).
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a washing machine cabinet be?
Count on 67-70 cm. This gives you enough space for the plug, hoses, and ventilation, and prevents cabinet doors from getting stuck. Only with a tight niche can you go to 60-65 cm, provided you cleverly solve the rear space and possibly let the front protrude slightly.
What is the average depth of a washing machine cabinet?
On average 67-70 cm. This matches the depth of common machines including connections. Many custom and modular cabinets - like those from Wasdroom - follow this standard to keep placement and air circulation simple.
How much space should I leave behind the machine?
Leave 5-7 cm free for the plug, drain hose, and bends in hoses. This margin prevents kinked pipes, limits vibrations, and improves ventilation. Combine this with 2-3 cm clearance around the machine.
Does a washing machine fit in a 60 cm deep cabinet?
Only with custom solutions. Choose a shallow cabinet body, route hoses sideways, and if necessary, let the front protrude 1-3 cm. Always check the machine specifications and test the door swing before final assembly.
Can the machine protrude a bit forward?
Yes, as long as the feet are fully on the base plate and the door opens freely. A small front protrusion can be functional in a shallow niche and is optically concealed if the cabinet front is neatly aligned.